Our annual Construction Career Fair continues to be a shining example of JP Cullen’s unwavering commitment to the construction industry and to fostering the next generation of skilled trades professionals. Each year, our dedicated Apprenticeship Committee works tirelessly to connect with local schools, offer site tours, and provide invaluable classroom mentorship opportunities—ensuring students get an insider’s look at real career possibilities.
This year marked our 9th Construction Career Fair since launching in 2015, hosted at our Janesville Headquarters. This year, we hosted our largest event yet, with more than 400 enthusiastic students attending. Each student experienced a unique, hands-on introduction to the construction world, led by seasoned experts from a variety of trades.
This is Not Your Traditional Career Fair
As you step into our career fair, you quickly notice that it stands apart from the conventional fairs you may have attended in the past. Construction is a hands-on field, so we offered a diverse range of activities that enable students to immerse themselves in the shoes of various tradespeople.
Our goal is simple: ensure students leave with a clear understanding of the vast opportunities the construction industry offers and to inspire them to pursue careers that match their talents and passions. This year’s fair showcased an extensive array of disciplines, including electrical, mechanical, HVAC, fire protection, ironworking, carpentry, concrete finishing, masonry, operating engineers, safety practices, virtual design & construction (VDC), and prefabrication.
Different Career Paths Following High School
With over 400 students from local area schools, there was a lot of learning taking place! We were proud to inspire students from across southern Wisconsin, including: Albany, Belleville, Beloit Memorial, Lincoln Academy, Beloit Turner, Big Foot, Brodhead, Clinton, Delavan-Darien, East Troy, Edgerton, Evansville, Fort Atkinson, Janesville Craig, Janesville Parker, Jefferson, Juda, Kettle Moraine, Lakeside Lutheran, Milton, Mount Horeb, Orfordville/Parkview, Palymra-Eagle, Watertown, Whitewater, and Wisconsin Heights High Schools. Not all high school students have the same graduation plans, and it is great to see the excitement about the various career paths available in the construction industry.
Check out our Facebook Page for photos from this exciting day.
Thank You to Our 2025 Sponsors
This event would not be possible without the support of our incredible sponsors, including: 1901, Ace Materials Placing, Advanced Fastening Systems, AGC, Ahern, Alliant Energy, Badger Contractors Rental & Supply, Bandt Communications, Blackhawk Community Credit Union, International Union of Bricklayers & Allied Craftworkers, DeWALT, Esch Construction Supply, Fabick CatRentals, Hooper Corporation, IBEW Local 890 (Electrical), Ironworkers Local 383, Bobcat of Janesville, LiUNA Local 464 (Laborers), Lincoln Contractors Supply, Lycon, Makita, Marling Lumber and Homeworks, Milwaukee Tool, Neu’s Hardware Tools Paint, Carpenters Local 314, IUOE 139 (Operating Engineers), OPCMIA Local 599 (Plasterers & Cement Masons), Peiper Electric, Reynold Rigging & Crane Service, Sunbelt Rentals, United Rentals, Verona Safety, and Zalk Josephs Fabricators.
Finally, we would like to thank our employees for taking time out of their schedules to impact the community and the future of our industry. The support for our #FutureBuilders is greatly appreciated!
Looking to get involved in the trades?
Are you or someone you know looking to get involved in the trades? Visit our website for more information about Career Opportunities. If you don’t see something of interest, please reach out to: hr@jpcullen.com. For information on how apprenticeships work, visit the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development website.
Upcoming student event?
Do you have an upcoming school career day or class presentation and want a construction professional to speak? We’d love to help—reach out to hr@jpcullen.com.
Did you see us on the news?
- Wisconsin students experience hands-on demonstrations at construction career fair | Madison WMTV
- ‘We need to fill that skilled trade gap’. JP Cullen career fair introduces high schoolers to construction jobs | GazetteXtra
- Construction Career Fair set at JP Cullen | Beloit Daily News
- Janesville career fair raises awareness around trades | Daily Reporter
